🎄🥂🎄Advent Wine Club🎄🥂🎄 -- De Gustibus Non Est Disputandum

Wine List 2022

🎄🥂🎄Wine List🎄🥂🎄

  1. Aluado, Alicante Bouschet
  2. Château Tour de Mirambeau, White Bordeaux
  3. Barón de Barbón, Rioja
  4. Le Champ des Etoiles, Chardonnay
  5. Tenuta Fenice, Nero D'Avola
  6. Riversong, Sauvignon Blanc
  7. Cabalié, Grenache/Carignan
  8. Antonio Federici, Malvasia Puntinata
  9. El Bombero, Garnacha
  10. Domaine la Domitienne, Rosé
  11. Rex Mundi, Syrah/Grenache
  12. Vina Baccana, Pinot Grigio
  13. Don Cayetano, Cabernet Sauvignon
  14. Cabalié, Viognier/Colombard/Muscat
  15. Corsiero Nero, Nero di Troia
  16. Floresti, Viorica
  17. Antonio Federici, Montepulciano/Cesanese
  18. Abbesse, Sauvignon Blanc
  19. Saracosa, Toscana
  20. Visionario, Friulano/Sauvignon/Chardonnay/Gewurztraminer
  21. Belle Roche, Cabernet Sauvignon
  22. ??
  23. ??
  24. ??

🎄🥂🎄Tasting Notes🎄🥂🎄

Number Name Varietal Place of Origin Notes
1 Aluado Alicante Bouschet Portugal
  • Dad:
  • Mom: Smooth, hint of berries. First taste had a nutty finish. Like walnuts. Slightly dry. Very good.
  • John: VERY dry, pretty leathery. Curious aftertaste.
  • Charley: Fruity smell, maybe blackberries? Gives way to dryness fast. Flavor doesn't linger. Did we have this before? I remember loving it last time.
2 Château Tour de Mirambeau White Bordeaux France
  • Dad:
  • Mom: Makes my tongue tingle. Citrusy, smooth, nice body. Something like an apricot finish. Has heat like a shot of booze.
  • John: Light and fruity, but not too sweet. I get pears mostly. No sediment this time ;) I'd drink this one again.
  • Charley: First whiff buttery, but clean feel in the mouth. A little bland, but maybe I just ate too many chips beforehand....
3 Barón de Barbón Rioja Spain
  • Dad:
  • Mom: Rrrrreeoh hah.... Initially kind of off-putting with a vinegary rush. It calmed down to reveal some tannins. Flavor not that appealing. A little bit of fruit but not enough to make me want more of this one.
  • John: Nice and rich, but not as peppery as I expected. More of a dinner wine, though, than one I'd sip on.
  • Charley: This one tasted like ... moss? Not peaty, but like fresh, green moss. Kind of in a good way.
4 Le Champ des Etoiles Chardonnay France
  • Dad:
  • Mom: Seems savory to me. Like olives. Then maybe some pears, hints of fruit, but still with a salty, savory finish. Pretty good.
  • John: I forgot to chill it until recently, so maybe not as crisp as it should be :-/ I found it mildly sweet; smooth and buttery. Almost get a berry-ish aftertaste? Vetty nice 👍
  • Charley: Pear smell, smooth taste, very drinkable. Almost a little apple and bread? VG!!
5 Tenuta Fenice Nero D'Avola Italy
  • Dad:
  • Mom: Difficult to discern. Not unpleasant, but not sure what it is.. Fruit,? Nuts? Pepper? Slightly dry. I think it would be a nice dinner wine... Wouldn't compete with the meal and overwhelm it with tasting of.....? Good house wine.
  • John: sSrprisingly light, but still bold and quite acidic. Just fine for dinner but not sure I'd drink a bottle of it on its own...
  • Charley: Almost smoky scent, nice dry taste. Maybe a little cherry, too? My favorite red so far, I think.
6 Riversong Sauvignon Blanc Chile
  • Dad:
  • Mom: Very smooth with a pleasant mouth feel. Fruits and flowers with a citrus finish. I like it.
  • John: Oh, this one is NICE. Really fruity - almost tropical - and it has a subtle but complex taste. I would drink a bottle of this.
  • Charley: No discernible scent. Crisp and refreshing, but a little bland. Maybe a tiny bit of apple taste? Maybe not!!
7 Cabalié Grenache/Carignan France
  • Dad:
  • Mom: I remember this one. Very drinkable. Went well with dinner tonight. That's all I know.
  • John:
  • Charley: Rich berry scent, but not too sweet. Nice dry finish with a soft initial taste. Dangerously drinkable.
8 Antonio Federici Malvasia Puntinata Italy
  • Dad:
  • Mom: Paired nicely with our roasted chicken thighs. Caramel? With a citrus finish. Not a lot of body, but with the meal it was fine.
  • John: Light and fruity. kinda apple-y, i guess? I like the freshness of it. Would drink a bottle of this.
  • Charley: A little lemony in the nose, just enough roundness on the tongue. Tastes almost a little like ... leafy greens? I liked it!
9 El Bombero Garnacha Spain
  • Dad:
  • Mom: Spanish #9 is not a fave.. seems kind of thin on flavor and body. Maybe it just doesn't pair well with no-bakes and popcorn 😉
  • John: Well balanced and buttery like a good chardonnay. Very full flavor and well rounded. Would definitely drink a bottle of this one.
  • Charley: Cedar smell, very woodsy. Tastes like a potpurri or an earthy meat sauce, dry at the very end. Wild and crazy kids.
10 Domaine La Domitienne Rosé France
  • Dad:
  • Mom: #10. Not crazy about this one either. First taste was ok but it lost it's lustre quickly. Citrus turned sour.
  • John: I'm not super crazy about rosés. It's okay. Might be more refreshing on a warm, sunny day. Have neither of those things today :-/. Probably would not drink a bottle of this one.
  • Charley: Clear as water! Wild. Not much scent. Tasted like diluted cotton candy, weird, not my favorite.
11 Rex Mundi Syrah/Grenache France
  • Dad:
  • Mom: Blackberries with chocolate. A tiny bit astringent as it is swallowed. Overall nice flavor and feel.
  • John:
  • Charley: Wow, deep blood red color. Sort of spicy scent, a little fruitier taste than I expected. Maybe like a roasted berry sauce or something? Wish it had more dryness in the finish but not bad.
12 Vina Baccana Pinot Grigio Italy
  • Dad:
  • Mom: A familiar Pinot. Nothing real notable. Hint of citrus? Smooth, very drinkable.
  • John:
  • Charley: Very refreshing, even if a little sweet. Not too much in the nose, a maybe a tiny bit of round, butteriness on the tongue. Drank it right after my run and it went right down. :)
13 Don Cayetano Cabernet Sauvignon Chile
  • Dad:
  • Mom: Kind of musty. I think there are berries hidden underneath. Tastes like it's past it's prime. I won't toss it.
  • John:
  • Charley: Harsh nose, harsh taste. Almost like a burnt pizza crust. Tough to drink down, but I still did it. ;-)
14 Cabalié Viognier/Colombard/Muscat France
  • Dad:
  • Mom: Crisp, fruity flavor with a citrus finish. Not a lot of body, but very drinkable
  • John:
  • Charley: Is it FRESH?! Yes, it is! Smells like grapes (ha), but very clean and crisp, slightly acidic taste. A real winner.
15 Corsiero Nero Nero di Troia Italy
  • Dad:
  • Mom: Not crazy about the first tastes. but I came to enjoy it more after that. Some kind of berry, nice body, dry hints. Overall positive.
  • John:
  • Charley: Smells like a sauteed mushroom sauce. Mmm!! Medium body, with a bit of vinegar (good) and dryness. Taste is fine but the smell is Amazing!
16 Floresti Viorica Moldova
  • Dad:
  • Mom: Grapefruit was what first came across, then a nice blend with a citrus finish. Nice body, feel, flavor. VG
  • John:
  • Charley: Strong smell of stone fruit, light on the palate, a little oily, but tasty. Moldova! Moldova!!!
17 Antonio Federici Montepulciano/Cesanese Italy
  • Dad:
  • Mom: First whiff of bottle was vinegary, taste, musty. After it settled down it improved to a berry -oakey flavor. Not a fave, but not bad
  • John:
  • Charley: Maybe a little musty? Like wet leather, maybe. Is it corked? Tastes better than it smells: very dry on the tongue, meaty like a porkchop.
18 Abbesse Sauvignon Blanc France
  • Dad:
  • Mom: Refreshing, crisp. Maybe a little lemony..... Not a lot of body, but a nice smooth swallow. Very good.
  • John:
  • Charley: Grapefruit nose, Very crisp and dry, maybe a little lemony in the finish. Back deck wine, for sure.
19 Saracosa Toscana Italy
  • Dad:
  • Mom: Vinegary to me. Let it breathe a bit but still vinegary. Berries hidden underneath. Palatable if eating something with it. Not a fave
  • John:
  • Charley: Very acidic, but not too dry. Maybe like an unripe cranberry juice. I like it, I think?
20 Visionario Friulano/Sauvignon/Chardonnay/Gewurztraminer Italy
  • Dad:
  • Mom: Nice and crisp initially. Maybe a little thin in body, but a nice, light, fruity, flavor and pleasurable glass
  • John:
  • Charley: Had to use the pliers to get the screwtop off, so that docks one star off for sure. BUT: Very refreshing, almost like a crisp peach taste. Would have again, for sure.
21 Belle Roche Cabernet Sauvignon France
  • Dad:
  • Mom:
  • John:
  • Charley: Almost astringent. Bitter taste that mellowed out a little after a couple sips, but too potent to drink like wine. Almost like a liquor, wowza.
22 ?? ?? ??
  • Dad:
  • Mom:
  • John:
  • Charley:
23 ?? ?? ??
  • Dad:
  • Mom:
  • John:
  • Charley:
24 ?? ?? ??
  • Dad:
  • Mom:
  • John:
  • Charley:

Wine List 2021

🎄🥂🎄Wine List🎄🥂🎄

  1. Corsiero, Nero di Troia
  2. Abbesse de Loire, Sauvignon Blanc
  3. Los Hermanos Manzanos, Tempranillo
  4. Cabalié, Viognier/Colombard/Muscat
  5. Alambrado, Malbec
  6. Visionario, Friulano/Sauvignon/Chardonnay/Gewurztraminer
  7. Baronesa de Vilar, Ruby Porto
  8. La Belle Saison, Sauvignon Blanc
  9. Saracosa, Red Blend
  10. Cabalié, Grenache/Carignan
  11. Trimboli, Durif (Petite Sirah)
  12. Domaine La Domitienne, Rosé
  13. Don Cayetano, Cabernet Sauvignon
  14. Château Tour de Mirambeau, White Bordeaux
  15. Lobo e Falcão, Syrah/Alicante Bouschet/Castelão
  16. El Bombero, Grenache
  17. Vina Baccana, Pinot Grigio
  18. Aluado, Alicante Bouschet
  19. Riversong, Sauvignon Blanc
  20. La Cantera, Tempranillo/Grenache
  21. Le Champ des Etoiles, Chardonnay
  22. Trimboli Salvatore, Trebbiano
  23. Château Tour de Mirambeau, Bordeaux

🎄🥂🎄Tasting Notes🎄🥂🎄

Number Name Varietal Place of Origin Notes
1 Corsiero Nero di Troia Puglia, Italy
  • Dad: I thought it was bitter with a burnt taste. I wouldn't buy it.
  • Mom: Smooth, not too dry. A bit of a plum finish. I like it.
  • John: Fruity (berries) and smooth. Smell is surprisingly leathery, but isn't really reflected in the taste.
  • Charley: Sappy sweet, almost woodsy smell, but tastes more on the sugary side. Not robust or dry in the mouth -- not crazy about it. But PUGLIA!
2 Abbesse de Loire Sauvignon Blanc Loire Valley, France
  • Dad: Nice aroma with a hint of berry. A smooth aftertaste 👍 I liked it.
  • Mom: Smooth. Soft on the palate. A little on the sweet side with a berry finish. Pleasant to drink.
  • John: Tastes and smells like grass. meh.
  • Charley: Clean, somewhat buttery scent. Refreshing taste, almost herbal? Dry in the front, less in the back. Would definitely order the whole bottle.
3 Los Hermanos Manzanos Tempranillo Rioja, Spain
  • Dad: I like this Spanish Rioja. Smooth taste, not too dry. I suspect it would be excellent with a nice cut of beef or perhaps lamb.
  • Mom: A little "thin" in flavor composition with a musty finish. Not a fave, but drinkable.
  • John: #3: More like tempra-neato! Not as fruity as I thought it'd be. Kinda peppery..? Better than most other tempranillos I've tried.
  • Charley: Not much of a scent at all, but a sharp, dry feel on the sides of my mouth. Trying to taste it but not getting much flavor.
4 Cabalié Viognier/Colombard/Muscat Armissan, France
  • Dad: The Cabalie is fabulous! Citrus aroma and very smooth finish. I will buy it 🙂
  • Mom: Initial citrusy taste. Not too sweet. Nice mouth feel. Very easy to drink. 👍
  • John: Forgot to chill this one, whoops, but still wasn't as bad as I thought. Generally not crazy for desserty wines, but this is so light and the flavor so mild, it's actually kinda okay.
  • Charley: We had a different wine by this place last year and their Latin is still very wrong! Smells like grapes, tastes like a ham sandwich. In a great way.
5 Alambrado Malbec Mendoza, Argentina
  • Dad: Malbec is always one of my favorite wines. Smooth, not too dry. The Argentinians know it is perfect with a beautiful ribeye or with prime rib.
  • Mom: Difficult to discern a flavor. Maybe a plum. More tannins than taste. Not a fan.
  • John: Prob my fav one so far, but I'm partial to malbecs. Bold, smooth, with a tingly, spicy finish. Very complex. Would happily drink a whole bottle with a nice steak.
  • Charley: Meaty smell, like raw steak, with a spicy but still clean mouth feel. Really delicious, actually.
6 Visionario Friulano/Sauvignon/Chardonnay/Gewurztraminer Veneto, Italy
  • Dad: This wine was a little bitter to me.
  • Mom: Don't care for this one. Acidic, not a good flavor. 👎
  • John: The Natty Light of wines. And I mean that as a compliment.
  • Charley: Smells kind of...musty? Kind of bitter? I did not like this one at all.
7 Baronesa de Vilar Ruby Porto Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
  • Dad: I know that Port has a bad rep. That being said, I thought it was great. Not overwhelming, just a nice taste. I would consider this wine as my "house red". If push comes to shove.😅
  • Mom: Initial sweetness but it doesn't finish real sweet. Could be good with a proper pairing of something savory. It's "ok".
  • John: VERY sweet upfront, but has a slightly bitter/spicy finish...? Might be good with a rich, creamy cheese or something, but not sure ports are really for me.
  • Charley: Not much of a smell, but a very delicious, chocolatey flavor. Maybe a little blackberry in there? Dry up front, party in the back. Wasn't expecting to like this, but I like it a lot.
8 La Belle Saison Sauvignon Blanc Southwest France
  • Dad: Unlike the last white wine we tried, this Sauvignon Blanc has a nice aroma, very slight berry taste and smooth, not bitter. Probably great with shrimp or salmon.
  • Mom: Light, crisp, citrusy. Smooth taste and feel. It's a good one.
  • John: Dry, tangy, complex. It made me hungry. I liked it quite a bit.
  • Charley: Kind of vegetal scent, very crisp taste, with just a tiny apple sweetness. I think I would like it more with food than alone.
9 Saracosa Red Blend Tuscany, Italy
  • Dad: I usually like Italian reds, but not this one. The aroma was strong and the taste, blah. Not a great combination 😉
  • Mom: Seems vinegary. Thin on aroma, flavor and substance. Not a fave.
  • John: Very tasty red blend. Really light and easy to drink. Slightly sweet then slightly spicy. This would be a nice table red to have around.
  • Charley: Smells kind of like sherry or cooking wine, very watery in the mouth. I was expecting something dry, and it wasn't even that.
10 Cabalié Grenache/Carignan Armissan, France
  • Dad: The Cabalie is fabulous. Cherry aroma, wonderful smooth finish, not too dry👍
  • Mom: Nice aroma. Tastes of blackberries, maybe an oak finish. Just dry enough. 👍
  • John: Spicy, leathery, and toasty. Speaking of toasty, this one tastes pretty potent... How much booze is in this thing?!
  • Charley: Subtle berry, woodsy scent, but not too sweet. Starts almost like cedar in the mouth, finishes dry. This one is really interesting, definitely one of my favorites so far.
11 Trimboli Durif (Petite Sirah) NSW, Australia
  • Dad: Black Duck is a winner. Nice taste, nice finish. Berry aroma. 14.5% alcohol to boot.
  • Mom: Initial aroma isn't real appealing. Taste, however, is. A little tart. Berries and autumn leaves come to mind. 👍
  • John: Spicy and leathery, but the lingering aftertaste is surpringly smooth. Interesting. Would be a great complement to a steak dinner.
  • Charley: Smells a little like polish or cleaner... :-/ But nice dry taste, a little blackberry in there. But yes, the smell is kind of chemical!
12 Domaine La Domitienne Rosé Pays D'Oc, France
  • Dad: This French Rose' is refreshing. A sweet aroma with a fresh taste. Perfect, IMHO, pair with a light seafood entree.
  • Mom: Smooth and crisp. Nice mouth feel. Tastes kind of like a citrusy caramel apple . 👍
  • John: "NO." Sorry - not a fan of rosés.
  • Charley: Faint scent but a great citrus flavor. Very refreshing after my run :-) The Gatorade of wines, in a good way!
13 Don Cayetano Cabernet Sauvignon Valle de Colchagua, Chile
  • Dad: This Cab at first tasted like Welch's grape juice. Then after I used some nasal decongestant spray, it changed. I give it a👍
  • Mom: Wine isn't a standout as far as taste and other quantifiers (a bit better than ok), but MABby liked Cabbies, so I like it for sentimental reasons
  • John: Whoa. Intense red. Super bold and spicy. Not something I'd drink on its own, but would probably be nice with some steak. Or beef stroganoff :)
  • Charley: Wow, when I poured this out, I could smell it all the way across the room. Earthy, almost scotch-like aroma. Meaty, umami taste with just the right amount of dryness. I could drink a whole bottle of this one. Top wine for me so far, no contest.
14 Château Tour de Mirambeau White Bordeaux Entre-Deux-Mers, France
  • Dad: This white Bordeaux is really good. Beautiful berry aroma and such a silky smooth finish. The white Bordeauxs are definitely my favorite white wines. We have a number of bottles in stock, I think.
  • Mom: Ok white..... Smooth feel, nice texture. Pleasant taste. Seems to have an anise finish (or is it the Chex mix?). 👍
  • John: Love these white bordeauxs. This one is surprisingly crisp and citrusy. I put mine in the freezer so it was super cold. Very nice.
  • Charley: Kind of a floral scent, almost like dandelions. Very crisp with a little dryness at the finish. Fine to drink but not writing home about it.
15 Lobo e Falcão Syrah/Alicante Bouschet/Castelão Tejo, Portugal
  • Dad: I also like the Lobo y Falcao. A nice dry red👍
  • Mom: I think I tasted a jujube in a lingering flavor. Some tannins, oak flavor, berries, initially. Not bad.
  • John: Dry, mildly astringent and smells MUCH boozier than it tastes. Not sweet, but definitely tastes like fruit. Nice, robust flavor. Saving the rest for dinner! 👍
  • Charley: Cinnamon scent, cinnamon flavor, cinnamon all around. Delicious, spicy!! This was a favorite this year, and I loved it again!!
16 El Bombero Grenache Cariñena, Spain
  • Dad: This Spanish "El Bombero" has a great taste and aroma. The 15% alcohol content is a kicker.😉
  • Mom: First aroma seemed like butterscotch. Hard to pinpoint flavor. More woody than fragrant. It's ok. Not a fave, but I wouldn't dump it.
  • John: Oooh baby. Nice, round flavor that packs a punch. Bold, fruity but not sweet, with a leathery aftertaste. Would drink a bottle of this if I didn't have to work the next day :-/
  • Charley: Just chopped some garlic so that's all I can smell at the moment! Earthy, dry taste. Not so fruity, and the taste sticks around the front of the mouth. I think I liked that Chilean wine more, but this one is pretty good. Definitely better than that weird vinegar one.
17 Vina Baccana Pinot Grigio Friuli, Italy
  • Dad: I think all Pinot Grigios taste the same, but I like them.
  • Mom: A lovely Pinot grigio. Citrusy, nice flavor, feel, and finish. Pinots are kind of like ABBA....
  • John: Stupidly easy to drink. Light, crisp, refreshing. Almost tastes like a spiked apple juice, just not as sweet. Even Dennis wanted a taste!
  • Charley: Smells maybe a little lemony, ~extremely crisp~ taste, feels almost hydrating, which is a weird experience for drinking wine! I bet Grammo would go for this one, not like one of those Chardonnays....
18 Aluado Alicante Bouschet Lisboa, Portugal
  • Dad: This Aluado from Portugal is my favorite red so far. Very drinkable. Not dry, minimal after taste.👍
  • Mom: Wine is decent. Before I could figure out what flavors I'm discerning, I ran out! Berries, oak, bubble gum!? Easy on the palate.
  • John: So... does this smell and taste like bread to anyone else? Very yeasty.
  • Charley: Smells like fresh berries from the grocery store, not in a sugary sweet way. Just a little dry in the mouth and a neat flavor--a little fruity, a little coffee, really fun to drink! Let's get a bottle.
19 Riversong Sauvignon Blanc Valle Central, Chile
  • Dad: 👻
  • Mom: Crisp and citrusy. Like a Pinot grigio. I expected a smooth, buttery feel and taste. It's good just not what I thought I'd be experiencing
  • John: Crisp, fresh, a tad sweet. This one also tastes like apples! I'm not sure I had it in the fridge long enough... Dennis said he'd only drink it with a piece of string cheese. I think he might be onto something... 🤔
  • Charley: This one tastes a little more like a chardonnay -- oaky, maybe -- than I had anticipated. But then it almost had a chemical flavor? Bitter, almost? Maybe I just forgot to rinse my glass...oops....
20 La Cantera Tempranillo/Grenache Cariñena, Spain
  • Dad: 👻
  • Mom: Sugar plum fairies followed by nutcrackers (oak). No "let it snow", it's a little in the dry died. Pretty good. 👍
  • John: 👻
  • Charley: Aroma is straight-up dirt. Loamy. Pretty earthy taste, too, with a little after-dry, maybe some unripe blueberry or something. Just lots of "on the ground" going on with this one. Makes me want to mulch.
21 Le Champ des Etoiles Chardonnay France
  • Dad: I'm not a fan of Chardonnay. Too sweet with a bitter aftertaste to me.👎
  • Mom: Raw sauer kraut is that elusive "what it reminds me of". Yep. But with a sweetness. Not a fave, but I drank it
  • John: 👻
  • Charley: **WAY** sweeter than I anticipated for a Chardonnay. Tastes like Fun Dip. How is this possible? No, thanks.
22 Trimboli Salvatore Trebbiano NSW, Australia
  • Dad: 👻
  • Mom: Tastes and feels like most any other white. Very drinkable but not outstanding in any way.
  • John: 👻
  • Charley: "Rounder" than yesterday's wine and definitely not as sweet—all good things. Like a boozy chicken broth in a glass.
23 Château Tour de Mirambeau Bordeaux Entre-Deux-Mers, France
  • Dad: 👻
  • Mom: Pleasant mix of fruits and nuts(trees/wood).. like a Christmas fruitcake. Another tasty Bordeaux
  • John: 👻
  • Charley: Like a meaty ragu, salty and robust. You'd want another red to wash this one down.
24
  • Dad: TK
  • Mom: TK
  • John: TK
  • Charley: TK

Wine List 2020

🎄🥂🎄Wine List🎄🥂🎄

  1. Alambrado, Malbec
  2. Rauzan Despagne, White Bordeaux
  3. Dinastia Manzanos, Tempranillo
  4. Don Cayetano, Chardonnay
  5. Cabalié, Grenache/Syrah/Carignan Blend
  6. Visionario, White Blend
  7. Marichalar, Tempranillo/Garnacha
  8. Chateau Tour de Mirambeau, Bordeaux
  9. Saracosa, Cabernet/Merlot/Sangiovese Red Blend
  10. Los Hermanos Manzanos, Rosé
  11. Trimboli, Durif (Petite Sirah)
  12. Don Cayetano, Cabernet Sauvignon
  13. El Bombero, Grenache
  14. Chateau Tour de Mirambeau, White Bordeaux
  15. Lobo e Falcão, Syrah/Alicante Bouschet/Castelão Blend
  16. Los Hermanos Manzanos, Chardonnay
  17. Picco Attila, Merlot
  18. Rex Mundi, Shiraz/Grenache Blend
  19. Riversong, Sauvignon Blanc
  20. Corsiero, Nero di Troia
  21. Vina Baccana, Pinot Grigio
  22. Rauzan Despagne, Bordeaux
  23. La Cantera Cariñena, Red Blend
  24. Alessandro Gallici, Prosecco

🎄🥂🎄Tasting Notes🎄🥂🎄

Number Name Varietal Origin Notes
1 Alambrado Malbec Argentina
  • Dad: Nice red, a little dry.
  • Mom: Kind of light, slightly dry. No detectable strong finish. Suitable for dining or just social sharing.
  • John: Nice and smooth
  • Charley: Spicy, cherry, not too dry!!
2 Rauzan Despagne White Bordeaux France
  • Dad: Nice white Bordeaux, a little fruity. I looked up the chateau in France. It has a good reputation. This wine was a 2019. 2018 got the best reviews. Oh well.
  • Mom: Smooth, light, quite delightful. VG.
  • John: Hints of toast, grit of a hummus, rips back and sizzles
  • Charley: Very fruity and even sugary, like a bottle of cake frosting. Almost tastes like it's sparkling? Not my favorite, I don't think! Still drank it....
3 Dinastia Manzanos Tempranillo Spain
  • Dad: I don't think I have had this Rioja before. Ok for me, but kinda blah.
  • Mom: A little oak, somewhat dry, acidic finish. Probably good with a rare steak.
  • John: Dry, woody, not much else going on. Smooth but quite bland. Def not my fav.
  • Charley: A little blackberry, a lot of...non-pine tree bark? Maybe in a good way? Not as dry as I expected, and not as heavy either. The taste doesn't last. Perilously drinkable.
4 Don Cayetano Chardonnay Chile
  • Dad: 👻
  • Mom: Fruity. Way too strong 😉
  • John: Light and crisp. Smells fruitier than it tastes, I think. Not too shabby.
  • Charley: I can't believe it's not melted butter: smooth, THICK. A little dry, not oaky. Very tasty! "Stronger than Rhine" (jk, Grammo joke)
5 Cabalié Grenache/Syrah/Carignan Blend France
  • Dad: 👻
  • Mom: Nice rich color. Nothing remarkable in taste, but goes down nicely. If it's good enough for the Roman legions, it's good enough for me.
  • John: Not too dry, fruity finish, goes down (too!) easy. Packs a punch. I liked it.
  • Charley: Powerful aroma of fresh yeasty bread (YUM), mildly dry taste. A little thinner/weaker than I was expecting after the smell. Latin on the label has significant grammar errors -- B student overall.
6 Visionario White Blend Italy
  • Dad: Ok, kind of like a table wine. I like the White Bordeaux from a couple days ago much better.
  • Mom: Smooth, slightly sweet. Very drinkable. Nice table wine?
  • John: Smells like pears and apples. Tastes pretty bold for a white. Decent palate cleanser. Taste is just okay.
  • Charley: Juice aisle.
7 Marichalar Tempranillo/Garnacha Spain
  • Dad: I liked this Rioja, slightly dry, but not too dry. My favorite red so far. Maybe a kind of a berry flavor, not sure.
  • Mom: Light to medium body, tannins, can't quite figure out the taste. Not unpleasant, but what is it? Maybe I should've cleansed my palate.
  • John: Very tannin-y and bitter -- especially at first. Almost a cherry or cranberry finish. Not my fav.
  • Charley: A little dark chocolate aroma, pretty dry and a little more robust than the last tempranillo. Maybe even earthy in the finish? A pleasant surprise overall, would drink again!
8 Chateau Tour de Mirambeau Bordeaux France
  • Dad: I love red Bordeaux. Maybe it's a French thing. Grammo reminds me that I am 3/4 French.
  • Mom: Soft, not too dry, tastes of oak and fruit. Good enough to drink and enjoy.
  • John: 👻
  • Charley: Nice dark red color, like ~B L O O D~. I smell cranberries, with a nice full mouth feel. A little leathery, maybe, but not too dry. Solid, definitely would drink again.
9 Saracosa Cabernet/Merlot/Sangiovese Red Blend Italy
  • Dad: A little sweet, not dry. I liked it though. I don't think that I've had this brand before.
  • Mom: I liked it. Slightly sweet, few tannins, light to medium body. Pleasurable. Nice dinner or just drinking wine.
  • John: 👻
  • Charley: Almost nutty at first sniff? Like a cashew or something. It has the sweetness of a port or soemthing fermented, with just a little dryness in the aftertaste. Not bad, and not what I expected.
10 Los Hermanos Manzanos Rosé Spain
  • Dad: I'm not a fan of Rosé, 'nuff said.
  • Mom: Don't think that I like this one. The aftertaste is not pleasant. Initially not bad, a little tart and sweet, and then yuck.
  • John: 👻
  • Charley: Not much aroma, but a clean, almost grapefruity taste. A little dry finish. Very refreshing, but not the best to drink on a cold night like tonight. I'd save it for the beach.
11 Trimboli Black Duck Durif (Petite Sirah) Australia
  • Dad: (See tomorrow.)
  • Mom: Nice body, some tannins, a bit of berry taste...I like it.
  • John: 👻
  • Charley: Smells a little like blackberry, but not fruity in the taste. Full, rich, slightly dry finish. TASTY! Would definitely have a couple bottles with a long dinner with friends.
12 Don Cayetano Cabernet Sauvignon Chile
  • Dad: The last two, no better than red table wine in a middling restaurant, IMHO.
  • Mom: Kind of sharp when it first hits. But then smooth, not too tannin-y. Drinkable. MABby's fave variety.
  • John: 👻
  • Charley: Smells a little like...uh, meat? Hahaha. The mouth feel is thinner than I expected. Not too try. Kind of unremarkable taste, I think, but I'd use it to wash down dinner.
13 El Bombero Grenache Spain
  • Dad: 👻
  • Mom: Tannins, a little musty at first but then not bad. Not a fave, just ok.
  • John: 👻
  • Charley: Smells kind of leathery, like a wallet. kind of a smoky taste (?), burns in the mouth like it's pretty boozy, and yup, it's 15%...!
14 Chateau Tour de Mirambeau White Bordeaux France
  • Dad: 👻
  • Mom: Slightly sweet, slight citrus, smooth and pleasant.
  • John: 👻
  • Charley: Smells like a dry champagne, feels a little dry, too, but only in back of the throat. Very refreshing and drinkable. The sharing chair of wines.
15 Lobo e Falcão Syrah/Alicante Bouschet/Castelão Blend Portugal
  • Dad: 👻
  • Mom: Tastes like wine. Maybe a little fruity. Not too dry. No discernable strong flavor of .............. Drinkable.
  • John: 👻
  • Charley: Very, very chocolaty smell. Mmm.... The taste isn't sweet, though: pretty dry, earthy. One of the most interesting wines we have had so far, and the coolest label, no contest. Loved it!
16 Los Hermanos Manzanos Chardonnay Spain
  • Dad: 👻
  • Mom: Opened the bottle and the smell was off-putting. Now can't get past the smell.
  • John: 👻
  • Charley: Having a really hard time placing the faint scent on this one -- almost...brothy? Feels less oily in the mouth than I would have expected. Nothing to write home about.
17 Picco Attila Merlot Italy
  • Dad: 👻
  • Mom: 👻
  • John: 👻
  • Charley: [Something snobby about Merlot from "Sideways."] Nice leathery smell. Mouth feel a little thin, but it tastes like an extra tart cranberry juice or something. Not sure I would just drink it on its own, but it would be nice to wash down dinner.
18 Rex Mundi Shiraz/Grenache Blend France
  • Dad: 👻
  • Mom: Nice deep color. Plums? Tiny tannins. Pretty smooth and nicely drinkable.
  • John: 👻
  • Charley: Rex Nasty
19 Riversong Sauvignon Blanc Chile
  • Dad: 👻
  • Mom: Not this is a good one. Not sweet, just a tad dry and very delicious.
  • John: 👻
  • Charley: Pretty crisp, like a cold water fountain. Picnic wine for a sunny July.
20 Corsiero Nero di Troia Italy
  • Dad: 👻
  • Mom: 👻
  • John: 👻
  • Charley: Slightly chemical scent, and a little bitterness in the taste, like an unripe berry. It reminds me a liquor. Definitely can't gulp it down, but it's very different and kind of interesting.
21 Vino Baccana Pinot Grigio Italy
  • Dad: 👻
  • Mom: 👻
  • John: 👻
  • Charley: Gatorade.
22 Rauzan Despagne, Bordeaux Bordeaux France
  • Dad: 👻
  • Mom: 👻
  • John: 👻
  • Charley: A little spicy, nice tannins, a bit thinner than I expected, but very tasty. Would split a bottle with DAD.
23 La Cantera Cariñena Red Blend Spain
  • Dad: 👻
  • Mom: 👻
  • John: 👻
  • Charley: I don't know, nothing that interesting about this one? Kind of bland?
24 Alessandro Gallici, Prosecco Prosecco Italy
  • Dad: 👻
  • Mom: 👻
  • John: 👻
  • Charley:🎄🥂🎄🥂🎄I WIN CHRISTMAS SURVIVOR🎄🥂🎄🥂🎄

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